How to Manage Your Cat's Medication Schedule

Carmine and Tylan both have chronic medical conditions they need to take daily, weekly, and monthly medications to manage. Carmine gets his gabapentin twice a day, his telmisartan and zofran once a day, his adequan injection once a week, and his B12 injection and allergy shot once a month. Tylan gets his methimazole twice a day and his zofran and benazepril once a day. He also gets prednisolone, but how much he gets per day varies by week. And we won't even discuss what Carmine's immunotherapy schedule looked like before he made it to the maintenance stage. 

When your cats take medication, it can be easy to forget a dose or to give the medication at the wrong time. I've found several things to help me manage my boys' medication schedules that you might find useful in managing your cat's medications as well.

Refractory Stomatitis is Challenging to Treat: Stem Cell Therapy Saved My Cat's Life

 My seal-point Siamese, Tylan. 

Two weeks after I adopted my seal-point Siamese, Tylan, our vet took one look in his mouth and said, “He has stomatitis.” Little did I know that this would be one of the hardest battles I'd ever help a cat fight. 

What is Stomatitis?

Feline Chronic Gingivostomatits (FCGS), commonly known as stomatitis, is a chronic condition that results from severe mouth tissue inflammation. According to Dr. Kate O'Hare, stomatitis affects 0.7-4% of cats. 

Two types of stomatitis are recognized based on which part of the mouth is inflamed. The first form of the condition is characterized by inflammation that starts in the gums and the tissues surrounding the teeth. The second form is characterized by inflammation in the back of the mouth where the upper and lower jaws meet. This form may be more difficult to treat. 

Cats of any breed and age can be affected by stomatitis. The most prominent symptom of the condition is severe mouth pain. Your cat may show his pain in a number of ways, including:

• Pawing at his mouth.
• Rubbing his face against furniture.
• Acting aggressively if you try to touch his mouth or offer food.
• Crying while eating, beginning to eat when he's offered a meal but stopping suddenly, or refusing to eat at all.
• Hiding under furniture.

A cat with FCGS may also have an unkempt coat because he finds it too painful to groom himself. Cats with stomatitis may also have foul-smelling breath and drool. The drool may contain blood. A cat with FGCS may lose weight if he finds it too painful to eat. The affected parts of a cat's mouth will usually be bright red and bleed easily. 

How Can I Make Life Easier for My Blind Cat?

 

A cataract developed on Carmine's left eye when he was young. As time went on, the cataract continued to grow in his left eye, and he eventually developed a cataract in his right eye, too. Now, at nearly 16 years of age, Carmine is completely blind in his left eye and can see very little out of his right eye.

Carmine and I have always shared a very special bond. I believe his progressive vision loss has only brought us closer. As someone who is legally blind and struggling with progressive vision loss myself, I can relate to what Carmine is going through in a way few other people can.

Despite the challenges progressive vision loss brings, Carmine has adapted quite well to being nearly completely blind. In fact, if you didn't know him, you probably wouldn't guess that he has any vision issues here at home.

Over the years, I've learned quite a few ways in which I can make life easier on Carmine. I want to share what I've learned in hopes that it will help others with blind cats, too.

Common Household Dangers for Cats: Kitchen and Bathroom

Last week, we talked about some common household dangers that can be found in your living room and home office.  This week, we'd like to discuss some of the common household hazards that lurk in your kitchen and bathroom.

Oven/Stove: Cats seem to be drawn to warm places where they can curl up and sleep.  The stove and oven are certainly warm, but they are obviously dangerous for cats.  Whenever you're using the stove or oven, please keep an eye on your kitty.  If your cat seems interested in walking on the stove, cover the burners with covers whenever they aren't in use.

Cats can also get underfoot.  Please be careful when you are transferring hot pots and pans from one place to another in the kitchen.  Locate your kitty before moving boiling water so you don't accidentally spill any on your furry friend.

My grandmother will turn on her oven and leave the door open for a while to help heat her home.  This is obviously not a good idea if you have cats in the home!

Food: Please be mindful of leaving food on your kitchen counters or on the stove.  Many human foods are dangerous for cats.  Chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, garlic, raw fish, tuna, and milk are just a few human foods that can cause health problems in cats.  When ingested, these foods can cause anything from digestive distress to kidney damage to death.  Please cover any food you leave on the counter or stove while you're eating and put leftovers away promptly.

I would also recommend rinsing off your dishes before placing them into the sink to be washed.  Some cats will lick food off dirty dishes in the sink if given the chance to do so.

Trash: Leftovers, meat bones, package wrappers...  The kitchen trash can be a very tempting place for your kitty.  Please be sure to keep a lid on your trash can so that it's harder for your cat to get into.  Alternatively, you can store your trash can in a pantry or cabinet where your cat cannot access it.

Junk Drawer: I don't know if you all have one of these, but when I was growing up, we always had a drawer in the kitchen we called the junk drawer.  The junk drawer is where we kept light bulbs for the night lights, rubber bands, paper clips, batteries, coupons, pens, tape, and other miscellaneous items.  Please keep this drawer shut when not in use.  When ingested, batteries can cause ulcers in the stomach, mouth, and esophagus.

If ingested, paper clips, rubber bands, and other small items can cause an abdominal or intestinal obstruction.  Surgical removal of the item will need to occur in order to resolve the issue.  Signs of an abdominal or intestinal blockage may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or tenderness, producing a small amount of feces or straining to defecate, lethargy, and decreased appetite.  If your kitty has ingested a foreign body, he may also growl or try to bite when you try to pick him up or touch his stomach.  If string, thread, or a rubber band has gotten wrapped around the base of his tongue, your cat may paw at his mouth or face.

Feline Glaucoma

Due to my severe vision impairment, I spent several years attending a School for the Blind growing up.  There, glaucoma was not an uncommon condition (though this is not the condition that causes my vision problems).  However, I didn't know that cats can also suffer from glaucoma!

What is Glaucoma?

As in human glaucoma, feline glaucoma is a condition in which the watery fluid (aqueous humor) in the front part of the eye right behind the lens cannot drain properly.  Aqueous humor is produced by cells in the eye and provides nutrients to tissues inside the eye and helps the eye maintain its shape.  In a healthy eye, aqueous humor drains through the eye's drainage angle.  When the eye's drainage angle is partially or completely blocked, aqueous humor builds up in the eye, causing high intraocular pressure.  

The accumulation of aqueous humor puts pressure on the optic nerve, a nerve that runs from the back of the eyes to the brain.  Pressure on the optic nerve causes nerve damage, which prevents a cat from seeing normally.  Without treatment, partial or total blindness can occur.  Unfortunately because the signs and symptoms of glaucoma are often very subtle, it can be a difficult condition to diagnose early.

Glaucoma can affect one or both eyes, depending on what type of glaucoma a cat has.  

Primary glaucoma is an inherited condition and is rare in cats.  Thomas Kern, DVM, associate professor of ophthalmology at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine notes that Siamese and Burmese cats are among the breeds predisposed to primary glaucoma.  In primary glaucoma, both eyes will be affected with the condition.

Secondary glaucoma is more common in cats.  It is not inherited, and one or both eyes may be affected.  The most common cause of secondary glaucoma is uveitis, which is severe eye inflammation that produces proteins and other debris that block an eye's normal drainage ducts.  As a result, the aqueous humor builds up and causes pressure within the eye.  

Uveitis has several causes, which include feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV.), Feline Infectious Paritonitis (FIP), and Toxoplasmosis.  Secondary glaucoma tends to occur in middle-aged or older cats.

Feline Hyperthyroidism

Feline hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that occurs when a cat's thyroid produces excess thyroid hormones, mainly T3 and T4.  It usually presents in middle-aged or older cats, and there are no differences among gender or breed in terms of prevalence of the disease.

According to Cornell University, 98% of hyperthyroidism is caused by an adenoma, a non-cancerous tumor on the thyroid gland.  In only two percent of cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by a carcinoma, a cancerous tumor on the thyroid gland.

Because thyroid hormones affect many organs in the body, secondary conditions may occur as a result of feline hyperthyroidism.  For instance, excess thyroid hormones can cause the heart to beat faster.  Over time, cats with hyperthyroidism can develop an enlargement and thickening of the heart's left ventricle.  If left untreated, these changes can affect the normal functioning of the heart and may even lead to heart failure.  Fortunately, once the hyperthyroidism has been treated, the changes to the heart will often improve or resolve completely.

Additionally, cats with hyperthyroidism may also develop hypertension (high blood pressure).  Hypertension can cause damage to the kidneys, eyes, heart, and brain.  If a cat has hypertension in addition to an overactive thyroid, medication may be prescribed to manage the blood pressure.  After the hyperthyroidism has been treated, blood pressure issues will often resolve, and medication to treat hypertension may no longer be necessary.

Cat Anatomy: The Teeth and Tongue

Cats use their mouths for many things, including eating, drinking, and grooming.  While cats typically breathe through their noses, they can also get air into their lungs through their mouths when necessary.  Have you ever wondered about the anatomy of your cat's mouth?  Please keep reading to learn more about the anatomy of a cat's teeth and tongue.

Kitten (Deciduous) Teeth

As in humans, cats have two sets of teeth - kitten (deciduous) teeth and adult (permanent) teeth.  A kitten's deciduous incisors begin to come in at two weeks of age.  At three to four weeks of age, a kitten's canines begin to come in.  Deciduous premolars begin to appear when a kitten is between four and six weeks old.  All a kitten's baby teeth should be present by the time he is eight weeks old.  A kitten has 26 teeth in total.  

At 12-16 weeks, a cat's permanent incisors will begin to come in.  Premolars, molars, and canines begin to appear between four and six months of age.  A cat should have all 30 of her adult teeth in by the time she is seven months of age.

Lymphoma in Cats

Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphocytes, a specific type of white blood cell.  They are the major cells in lymph nodes.  A cat's lymphatic system is comprised of vessels and nodes throughout its body.  The lymphatic system is responsible for transporting life-sustaining substances and keeping harmful agents from circulating throughout a feline's body.  According to PetMD, lymphoma is responsible for 33% of all tumors in cats and 90% of all feline blood cancers.

Types of Lymphoma and Their Symptoms

Though lymphoma can occur at any site in a feline's body, it tends to show up in certain places more than others.  Additionally, cats with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are at greater risk for developing certain types of lymphoma than uninfected cats.

Multicentric: In this type of lymphoma, multiple lymph nodes and possibly multiple organs are affected.  This type of lymphoma is often associated with feline leukemia virus.  Symptoms of this type of cancer may include swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin, under arms, and jaw, weight loss, depression, and loss of appetite.  

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Cats

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), also known as pancreatic insufficiency or maldigestion disorder, is rare in cats.  Though EPI is rare in cats, it's important to know the signs and symptoms of the condition as it can have serious consequences for a cat who suffers from it.

The Structure and Function of the Pancreas

A cat's pancreas is located in its abdominal cavity and consists of two lobes.  The left lobe is located by the stomach, and the right lobe is located along the descending part of the duodenum, which is the first segment of the small intestine.  A small central portion joins the two lobes of the pancreas together.  

A feline's pancreas has two functions.  It produces insulin which helps control a cat's blood sugar, and it produces digestive enzymes that help with digestion.  Acinar cells located in a cat's pancreas produce the digestive enzymes trypsin, amylase, chymotrypsin, and lipase.  Chymotrypsin and trypsin break down protein molecules, lipase breaks down triglycerides and fats, and amylase breaks down starches.  Once broken down, the cells lining the intestine can absorb the food molecules.  From there, the nutrients can be sent to the rest of a cat's body through her bloodstream.  

What is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency?

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency occurs when a cat's pancreas fails to make enough of the digestive enzymes needed to break down fats, proteins, and starches in his diet.  When this happens, the food molecules cannot be absorbed into the intestinal wall.  The undigested food molecules remain in the gastrointestinal tract and are passed out of the body through the cat's feces.  Without treatment, a kitty with EPI can starve to death even though he may be eating an adequate amount of food.

Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up! Review

This month, we received Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up! Dog and Cat Food Supplement Pouches from our friends at Chewy to try.

Pumpkin has many benefits to cats, and Weruva has come up with a convenient way to serve it to your kitty.

Benefits of Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up! include:

• Supports stool quality.
• Is pureed for easy mixing.
• Contains soluble and insoluble fibers.
• Is gluten and BPA-free.
• Contains two ingredients - pumpkin and water.
• Supports healthy gut motility.

I mix the pumpkin supplement into Carmine and Milita's food, but you can also feed it plain as a treat.  

As you can see, Milita is thoroughly enjoying her dinner with the pumpkin supplement in it!  

Carmine also really enjoyed the pumpkin in his dinner.  

I feed pumpkin to Carmine and Milita everyday to help with their digestion.  I was buying them plain canned pumpkin at the store, but Weruva makes giving the pumpkin so much more convenient that I will likely be purchasing these pumpkin pouches from now on.  

A box of 12 Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up! typically retails for $8.28 on Chewy's website, but you can purchase them for $7.44 right now.  Chewy always offers free shipping on orders of $49 or more.  

FTC Disclosure: I received a 12-count box of Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up! Dog and Cat Food Supplement Pouches in exchange for a fair and honest review.  Receiving Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up! did not influence my (or my cats') opinions in any way.  All opinions expressed on Fur Everywhere are my (and my cats') own.  

Benefits of Pumpkin for Cats

It's the time of year when pumpkin-flavored foods and beverages are making an appearance.  I love pumpkin pie, bread, ice cream, and lattes.  Not only is pumpkin delicious, though, it also has a lot of health benefits for pets.  Carmine and Milita eat canned pumpkin everyday with their wet food dinner, and it has been very helpful for Carmine's Irritable Bowel Disease and Milita's hairballs.  

Please note that if you choose to give your cat pumpkin, it's important to use plain canned pumpkin with no spices in it.  The spices put into pumpkin pie filling are not good for kitties.  

Potential Benefits of Pumpkin for Cats

Digestive Health: Pumpkin is high in fiber, which can help alleviate both constipation and diarrhea.  The soluble fiber in pumpkin absorbs excess water and helps bulk up a cat's stool, reducing or eliminating diarrhea.  Fiber can also act as a laxative for cats suffering from constipation.  The fiber in pumpkin adds bulk to a cat's stool and can soften it, making it easier to pass.  

Carmine suffers from Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) and eats canned pumpkin everyday as part of his diet.  Carmine used to suffer from bouts of constipation, but since he's been eating pumpkin everyday, he no longer gets constipated.  

Weight Loss: Fiber also promotes a feeling of fullness, which may help your cat eat eat less and lose weight.  Ask your veterinarian about replacing a small portion of your cat's food with pumpkin as part of her weight-loss plan.

Hairballs: Pumpkin can help kitties digest the fur they swallow while grooming.  Regularly feeding pumpkin can help reduce the number of or eliminate hairballs for your cat.  

Moisture: Pumpkin is 90% water.  Adding pumpkin to your kitty's meals increases his water intake, which aids in the prevention of dehydration.  Increasing water intake is especially important for cats with any type of urinary tract condition.  

Feeding and Storing

Most cats like the taste of plain pumpkin, so you can feed it as a snack.  Alternatively, you could put a little pumpkin in your cat's wet food.  Carmine and Milita eat their pumpkin mixed into their canned food dinner each day.  

Some companies also make canned cat food with pumpkin in it.  I've seen pumpkin in Natural Balance, Weruva, Against the Grain, Wellness, and Soulistic canned cat foods.

You can store pumpkin in the refrigerator for a few days.  If you don't go through pumpkin quickly, divide it into ziploc bags and store it in your freezer, thawing as needed.  You could also fill an ice cube tray with pumpkin and thaw as needed.  

Do you feed your cat pumpkin?  What benefits have you seen from doing so?

Sources:

PetMD: The Health Benefits Pumpkin Provides to Our Pets.

Pet Place: 9 Benefits of Pumpkin for Pets - Pumpkin for Dogs and Cats.

Cat Health: Is Pumpkin Good for Cats?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): A Guest Post by Leslie Goodwin

I am delighted to be sharing a guest post today from Leslie Goodwin, author of Cat Skills: Loving Care for Cats.  

Leslie's 15-month-old kitty passed away from FIP in June, 2014.  She had adopted her a mere eight months earlier.  Since then, Leslie has been studying FIP, helping others with FIP cats on the FIP Yahoo support group, and recently raised $1,650 for FIP research through a Crowdfunding campaign.  There were 16 donors, and one donor even got her employer, Alaska Airlines, to match her donation.  

I will be reviewing Leslie's book, Cat Skills, on Friday.  You will also have a chance to win a copy of the book for yourself, so please come back and enter the giveaway.

Thank you so much, Leslie, for writing this amazing post to inform others about FIP.  I feel honored that I had the opportunity to meet you and to call you my friend.

Leslie Goodwin's Guest Post:

Sierra recently asked me to guest blog about a misunderstood and devastating feline disease that struck one of my young kitties, Maisie. During Maisie's illness,  I was desperate to understand what was happening. I found some confusing and conflicting information. Then I sought help from a support site. They inspired me to learn more so I could repay them and share what I've learned with other victims. Leslie Goodwin

Leslie Goodwin's Angel Maisie.
Photo courtesy of Leslie Goodwin.

FIP Myths and Mysteries

FIP has only been identified since 1963 and remains shrouded in mystery and myth. Veterinarians are often puzzled when diagnosing a cat they suspect has FIP because it is relatively rare and takes two forms: Wet and dry. Dry F.I.P., with no abdominal effusion present, is one of the most misdiagnosed and mysterious of all cat diseases. Because it can be difficult and expensive to diagnose, it is often only confirmed post-mortem.

Wet FIP is more obvious; the cat develops a huge belly filled with fluid. Both types are caused by a mutation of the Feline Enteric Corona virus. Victims are almost exclusively under two or over ten years old. They rarely live more than a few months after symptoms appear. There is no effective vaccine. There is no single diagnostic test. There is no sure treatment or cure. FIP kills one in 100 to one in 300 of all cats under five years old  (mostly kittens).  And the incidence can be up to ten times greater among kittens from catteries or in overcrowded populations. Humans cannot transmit or contract FIP.

Here are some of the most common misconceptions:

Myth number # 1: Testing my cat for corona virus titers will diagnose FIP: Wrong. If your vet suspects your cat has FIP, don't waste your money on a corona virus antibodies titer test. Ask for a CBC and chem panel instead. About 80% of cats will test positive for antibodies to corona virus but may never become ill with FIP. FIP happens when the virus mutates. It is most likely to mutate when a cat is under extreme stress like being in a shelter, after surgery, in a new home, or when they stray. Testing for corona virus titers can support a diagnosis because a cat with no corona virus titers cannot have FIP. 

Myth number #2: FIP is contagious. My other cats will catch it. Despite its name, FIP isn't contagious...exposure to the corona virus, however, can be spread, passing in feces dust when cats track it from litter boxes and then lick it off while grooming. You can test feces for presence of corona virus if you want to know if a cat is shedding virus. Some cats shed virus constantly, others for a time period after being exposed and some never  shed. There is no hard and fast rule on virus shedding. But after a cat dies of FIP, it is recommended to disinfect all boxes and discard used litter and vacuum the entire house and wait to bring in a new cat for at least 8 weeks, while the virus is still viable.  Again, just because your cat lived with an FIP cat does not mean your cat will get sick.

Myth number #3:  FIP is genetic and all related cats will also get FIP. Not necessarily. A genetic tie is not proven yet...though some researchers believe it does run in families and some believe it is passed by the father of the kittens. However, purebred cats coming from catteries or cats who live in multiple cat households or shelters and are exposed at a young age to many others are more likely to be exposed to the virus and thus...at more risk of developing FIP if the virus mutates.

Myth #4: You can vaccinate for FIP. Yes...but the Felocell vaccine isn't universally recommended as it isn't proven to be effective in most cases. See link below for more info.

Myth #5: FIP can be diagnosed from a fecal test. No way. A fecal test for corona virus will only show that a cat is shedding virus.

Myth #6: FIP can only be diagnosed after death. Not quite true. To diagnose FIP, you have to analyze symptoms and run tests to rule out differential diagnoses. It can be expensive and complicated- so FIP is often misdiagnosed or goes un-diagnosed.  The first step is to run CBC blood tests. The obvious markers of FIP: High total protein, a low A/G ratio, (high globulin), nonregenerative anemia, lymphopenia (low lymphocytes) and sometimes elevated neutrophils. These are the red flags for FIP.

Symptoms are: Fever which doesn't respond to antibiotics, anorexia, diarrhea, lethargy and weight loss and/or  abdominal swelling  (in the case of the wet type.) Vets often prescribe antibiotics immediately to rule out other reasons causing fever because if the cat improves, he certainly doesn't have FIP. Next, abdominal ultrasounds to monitor changes in the internal organs and cytology tests (analyzing cells) of the abdominal fluids  can reveal cell changes characteristic to FIP. The abdominal fluid (wet type) is a tell-tale yellow straw color and appears fibrous. There is a simple test of the abdominal fluid called the Rivalta test which can be done in the vet's office in minutes and costs virtually nothing...but only for testing the abdominal fluids in wet FIP. A Youtube video explains how to do it. These are the preliminary tests..there are more advanced tests, too. Dr. Addie devised an ingenious flowchart for vets which explains how to test and interpret test results to diagnose FIP. Check the links in the bibliography to find out more.

Some female kittens are diagnosed with FIP during spay surgeries when vets observe damage to organs or lymph nodes. In one case I know, the vet could remove the infected lymph nodes and with supportive therapy, save the kitten's life. She is the subject of a study soon to be published.  She has survived for three years so far being treated with Polyprenyl Immunostimulant and shows no sign of disease. Her recent blood work is normal. She had the dry type. She may be the only case of her kind.

It's rare for any cat to survive FIP. There are some palliative treatments and a few experimental drugs but no cure. Cats are usually given prednisone which slows the inflammatory process and improves their appetite and quality of life. Vets can extract the belly fluid and/or give the cat Lasix to make him more comfortable. The two drugs used are Polyprenyl Immunostimulant and Feline Omega Interferon. PI is also used effectively to boost the immune system to treat feline Herpes. FOI is not readily available in the US. Human grade interferon has also been used but is not considered as effective. PI treats the dry type only and must be given for the life of the cat.

Since I have been reading and communicating with dozens of victims on the support site,  I personally know of only one cat with wet FIP who survived for more than seven months. He lived for 13 months on daily doses of FOI. There is a new Facebook group of FIP survivors with about 50 members, most of whom are taking PI. Drugs might be more effective if we could diagnose cats sooner...the challenge with FIP is the speed at which it kills...usually within two weeks of being diagnosed...and the time it takes to diagnose.

Researchers are getting closer to developing and testing protease inhibitors designed to stop Corona virus from mutating into the deadly forms. A researching studying FIPV at Cornell University, explained the unique challenge;  they have isolated 40 different strains of FIPV. Making matters worse, he said, they now think there may be interspecies  spread of Corona virus between dogs and cats.

One famed Scottish researcher, Dr. Diane Addie, advocates isolating cats with high corona virus titers to stop the spread of the virus and is working with breeders on controlling it in catteries, saying that purebred cats because they’re raised indoors are more likely than ferals or strays to have high Corona virus titers.

No FIP in the Falklands Islands! Some years ago, the vets on the Falklands Islands, suspecting that the cats who lived there were already FCoV free, instituted a policy requiring all cats imported to the islands to test negative for antibodies to Feline Corona virus.  Dr. Addie and friends published a paper documenting the experiment and its success.

However, in most countries, isolating every cat with Corona virus antibodies is impractical since so many healthy cats would test positive. And not every cat with high Corona virus antibodies is actively shedding virus in their feces and thus spreading it. The only way to know if a carrier cat is shedding virus is to test their feces regularly. This is how catteries can control the spread of Corona virus..by monitoring which cats are shedding and preventing them from sharing litter boxes and by limiting populations in general. Most animal shelters don't have the space to keep all kittens separated so they can't share litter boxes but it would help stop the spread of Corona virus in the long term to try to limit virus passing in cats younger than 4 months. Dr. Addie is also exploring the idea of creating litter that would kill the virus.

Exposure to Corona virus or to an FIP cat or having high Corona virus titers does not mean your cat will get sick. The mutation to FIPV is relatively rare. I lost Maisie to dry FIP in June of 2014 and her BFF, Millie, was undoubtedly exposed to Corona virus from her. Yet I never have and most likely never will have Millie tested for Corona virus antibodies because Millie has a strong immune system and the chance that she will develop the FIPV mutation is low enough that it isn't worth worrying about. But, before I adopted a new sister for Millie, I waited 6 weeks for the virus to die and cleaned every speck of dust in my house,  sterilized all the litter boxes and started with fresh litter.

I did not test my new kitty for Corona virus either...but I didn't adopt from either of the two highest risk groups: purebred cats and kittens.  That's another great reason to adopt an older cat..they have survived diseases that mostly affect kittens. I keep three litter boxes for two cats and they also go outside in their Catio. I scoop at least once a day.                

After losing a young cat to a deadly disease, I was changed...for the better. I've learned not to dread the future or focus on past losses. I just enjoy every minute of every day with my fur kids.  None of them come with a warranty.

FIP pet parents are pawsome!  Their grassroots efforts to raise money  to find a cure for FIP amaze me. They have online auctions, bake sales, fundraise at cat shows and hold raffles. I made a video for my recent crowdfunding campaign which tells our story and introduces some other FIP angels (link below). Together, we raised $1,650. to support FIP research. Some FIP pet parents have even donated tissues and other samples from their cats for research. I've included links for you to support a cure for FIP. If you have an FIP question, look me up on Facebook. I will help if I can.

©2015 Leslie Goodwin, author of CAT SKILLS: Loving Care for Cats available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com Thanks to Susan Gingrich and Sue Meissner for feedback on the Felocell vaccine.

Links to learn more about FIP:

http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ccah/local-assets/pdfs/FIP_Synopsis_Jan13_09.pdf

http://www.abcd-vets.org/fact_sheets/English/EN_FIP_Feline_infectious_peritonitis.pdf

http://dr-addie.com/downloads/FIPdiagnosisflowchart.pdf

http://dr-addie.com/WhatIsFIP.htm

Felocell vaccination and more:

http://jfm.sagepub.com/content/suppl/2013/08/14/15.9.785.DC1/7_Fact_sheet_7.pdf

Video: FIP Angels in Fur Coats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLPTAVRXF7o

Book:

Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Corona virus, everything a cat owner needs to know by Dr. Diane D. Addie

Support Groups:

   https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/FIP_Support/info

   FIP Fighters on Facebook

Info on PI:  http://www.vetimmune.com/go/

Donate to FIP research:

Bria Fund

   http://www.briafundsupporters.com/

Dr. Gary Whittaker, Cornell University c/o/ Wendy Wingatewow1@cornell.edu

Dr. Diane Addie.com

Dehydration in Cats

Dehydration occurs when there is a lack of water and electrolytes in the body.  Water makes up 80% of a cat's body and is essential for proper functioning, including digestion, circulation, and waste removal processes.  When a cat becomes dehydrated, he can suffer serious consequences if the problem isn't treated in time.

Causes

A cat typically loses water through respiration, sweating, and waste removal.  Normally, when a cat eats and drinks, she replaces the water she's lost through these activities and remains hydrated.  However, there are several situations in which cats are unable to replace lost fluids, which results in dehydration.

A sick cat who isn't eating or drinking enough may become dehydrated, for instance.  Excessive vomiting, diarrhea, panting, and fever may also lead to cat dehydration.  Heatstroke, shock, and blood loss are other conditions that can lead to an issue.  Additionally, kitties who have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and renal failure are at risk of becoming dehydrated.  

Symptoms

Loss of skin elasticity, lethargy, loss of appetite, sunken eyes, increased heart rate, depression, dry, tacky gums, panting, and dry mouth are all signs of cat dehydration.  There are also a couple of easy tests you can do at home to determine if your cat is dehydrated.

Skin Elasticity Test: This test is very simple, and one I used with Jewel everyday to ensure she didn't become dehydrated during her struggle with chronic renal failure.

Normally, a cat's skin is springy, but when he becomes dehydrated, his skin loses elasticity.  Gently pull up on your kitty's skin near his scruff, the way a mother cat would when she wants to carry her kitten.  Let go of the skin, and count the number of seconds it takes for the skin to lay flat again.  When your furry friend is hydrated, the skin will return to normal within two seconds of release.  If it takes longer than two seconds for the skin to lay flat again, it is an indication that your kitty is dehydrated.  The longer it takes for the skin to return to normal, the worse the dehydration is.  If your kitty's skin remains in a tent when you let go of it and does not return to normal, you should consult a veterinarian immediately as this is a sign of severe dehydration.

Capillary Refill Time: Felines experiencing dehydration, shock, or heart failure will have slower blood movement than healthy cats.  Gently press your finger against your cat's gums under her upper lip.  When you release the pressure, you will see a white spot where your finger was.  Count the seconds it takes for the gums to return to their usual color.  The gums of a healthy cat should return to their normal color within one to two seconds.  If it takes longer than two seconds for your kitty's gums to return to their normal color, this is an indication that there could be an issue.  

Treatment

In most cases, dehydration in cats is due to another condition.  Thus, if you suspect that your companion is dehydrated, you should take him to a veterinarian.  The veterinarian will give your kitty subcutaneous (under the skin) or intravenous fluids to hydrate him.  If necessary, the vet will also run tests on your companion to determine the underlying cause of the dehydration.  Once the underlying cause has been determined, your vet will start treatment for that condition as well.

Prevention

Photo Credit: Linda Tanner via Flickr.

Ensure that your companion always has a supply of fresh, clean water to drink.  Feeding wet food in addition to, or instead of, dry food will also help your cat stay hydrated.  While dry food contains less than 20% moisture, wet food contains at least 65%.  

Cats need to drink one ounce of water per pound she weighs daily to stay properly hydrated.  That means if your kitty weighs 10 pounds, she needs to drink 10 ounces of water daily to stay hydrated.  Please check out our article, "Eight Ways to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water," for helpful tips on keeping your companion hydrated.  

There's still time to enter for your chance to win a PetSafe Drinkwell Pagoda fountain!  You can enter the giveaway here.  

Sources:

ASPCA: Dehydration.

PetMD: Dehydration in Cats.

Purina: What is the Difference Between Wet and Dry Cat Food? 

Vet Info: Cat Dehydration Symptoms.

Eight Ways to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water

Did you know that cats need to drink one ounce of water for every pound they weigh each day to stay hydrated?  Thus, if your cat weighs 11 pounds, he will need to drink 11 ounces of water each day to stay properly hydrated.  Unfortunately, cats aren't typically big drinkers, so it's up to us as loving pet parents to encourage them to drink the water they need.  Here are some ways you can encourage your kitty to drink more water.

Offer Various Bowl Choices: There is no, "one size fits all," when it comes to cat water bowls.  Different cats will prefer different types of bowls.  Place a few bowls of varying sizes and shapes around your home so your cat can choose which ones she likes best.  Cats have very sensitive whiskers and are less likely to drink from a bowl if their whiskers touch the sides.  Try to find bowls that are wide enough so that your cat's whiskers don't touch the sides when she drinks from them.  It's also a great idea to keep your cat's bowl filled up to the rim as much as possible so she doesn't have to stick her head into the bowl to get a drink.

Carmine and Milita have one ceramic water bowl and one stainless steel bowl they can drink from.  While Milita drinks from water bowls a lot more than Carmine, Carmine likes to drink from the stainless steel bowl at times, too.

Keep Water Away from Litter and Food: Most cats do not like eating or drinking near their litter box (which totally makes sense!).  Additionally, some cats don't like their water bowl being next to their food bowl.  If you use a double-feeder, be sure to place a couple of other water bowls around your home as well.

Keep it Clean: As you're probably already aware, cats are obsessed with being clean.  It's important to keep your kitty's water clean and fresh.  Change your companion's water and wash his water bowls daily to help keep his water fresh and clean.  Cats are sensitive to odors, which can accumulate on a bowl's rim with time.  Ceramic and stainless steel bowls harbor fewer germs than plastic ones, but if your cat prefers plastic bowls, be sure to wash them regularly.

Different Types of Water: Not all kitties like drinking tap water.  Offer your cat different types of water placed in different spots throughout your house to see which type she prefers.  You can try tap, bottled, and distilled water as well as water filtered through a Brita pitcher.  Additionally, try refrigerating tap water to see if it improves the taste for your furry friend.

Feed Wet Food: Wet food contains a lot more moisture than dry food does.  Specifically, Purina states that wet cat food in the United States must contain at least 65% moisture content whereas dry cat food in the United States must contain less than 20% moisture content.  Adding a little water to wet food will also get more moisture into your kitty.  Start small, and add just a little water to your cat's wet food.  You can increase the amount of water in your furry friend's wet food over time.

If your kitty doesn't like eating wet food, try adding just a little wet food to his dry food.  Again start by only adding a small amount of wet food to the kibble.  You can increase the amount of wet food you add to the kibble over time as he acclimates to it.

Add Water to Dry Food: If your cat simply won't eat wet food, try adding a little water to her dry food everyday.  Begin by adding a little water to her food and increase it over time as she acclimates to it.

Flavored Water: Some kitties prefer to have a little flavor in their water.  I can't say I blame them.  I don't really like plain water, either.  Pam Johnson-Bennett suggests adding a few drops of low-sodium chicken broth to your cat's water.  Alternatively, you can try adding a few drops of clam juice, low-sodium beef broth, or tuna juice (from a can of tuna in water) to your feline's water.

Some cats enjoy ice cubes in their water.  Try adding plain ice cubes to your kitty's water to entice him to drink more.  You can also add a couple of drops of tuna juice, clam juice, or low-sodium chicken or beef broth to water in ice cube trays to freeze into flavored ice cubes.  If you add any flavoring to your feline's water, be sure to provide a separate bowl of plan water for him as well so that your cat has a choice of which one to drink.

Pet Fountains: Some pets really love flowing water.  Pet fountains provide an excellent source of free-flowing filtered water for cats.  When Jewel got sick with chronic renal failure, I purchased a pet fountain for her, and she really loved it.  I also discovered that Carmine loves flowing water, and he drinks a lot more water from his fountains than he ever did from a water bowl.

July is Pet Hydration Awareness Month.  To celebrate, the fantastic people at PetSafe are allowing me to give away one of their Drinkwell Pagoda fountains in any color!  Please come back and visit us on Friday (July 10th) to enter for a chance to win one.

How do you encourage your cat to drink water?  Please share your tips with us in the comments section.

FTC Disclosure: Last year, PetSafe sent me a Drinkwell Pagoda fountain free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  Receiving the free fountain did not influence my (or my cats') opinion in any way.  All opinions shared on Fur Everywhere are our own. 

Sources:

Pam Johnson-Bennett: Cats Need Water.

Higgins Animal Clinic: Water Drinking Tips for Cats.

Purina: What is the Difference Between Wet and Dry Cat Food?

Olathe Animal Hospital: Enticing Cats to Drink More Water.

Cat Safety Tips for the Fourth of July

Independence Day is a fun day full of cook-outs, family get-togethers, celebrations, and fireworks for Americans.  Unfortunately, though, July 4th may not be fun for your cat.  The loud noises, unusual smells, and strangers in their homes causes many kitties stress.  Therefore, as you plan your 4th of July celebration this year, please use these tips to help reduce your cat's stress and keep him safe during the holiday.

Give Your Cat a Sanctuary

If you're planning on having a get-together at your home, create a sanctuary for your cat in a bedroom.  Put your kitty's favorite beds and toys in the room as well as her litter box, food, and water.  Leavining the door to the sanctuary shut ensures that your cat doesn't accidentally escape outdoors when guests enter or exit your home.  

If your cat gets stressed by visitors, play some soft music for her to help distract her from what's going on outside the bedroom door.  Be sure to check on your kitty every so often to make sure she is doing okay.  If possible, engage your cat in a few interactive play sessions throughout the day to help relieve her stress as well.

If your cat gets stressed during fireworks, try distracting her with interactive play, soft music, or by just sitting with her and talking quietly.

Remember that outdoor kitties get stressed by fireworks, too.  If your kitty typically stays outdoors, you may want to consider bringing her into the house for Independence Day celebrations.  It's unfortunate, but not everyone is kind to felines, and some people might even try to shoot fireworks off near your cat.

If you care for feral felines, provide them with a safe place to hide outdoors.  Put some empty boxes out with towels in the bottoms so they have somewhere comfortable to hide out during the fireworks. 

Update ID and Microchip Information

If you're planning to have guests to your home, make sure they all know to watch for your kitty when they enter and exit your home.  Don't forget to be mindful of your cat when you go to and from your grill as well.  

Cats are sneaky and can scoot past even the most vigilant cat owner.  That's why it's important to keep the information on your kitty's ID tag and microchip up-to-date.  I include my cat's name, phone number, and the phrase, "Indoor cat," on Carmine and Milita's ID tags.  You can update your companion's microchip information on the Internet.  Just go to your microchip company's website, log in, and update your address and phone number as needed.  

People Food

In general, it's not a good idea to indulge your furry companion with people food.  However, if you want to share just a bite of your hamburger or hot dog with your kitty, make sure it has no seasoning or topping on or in it.  Jewel always enjoyed having a bite of plain hot dog or hamburger, but Carmine and Milita don't care for either.  

There are many people foods toxic to cats you should be aware of.  For instance, onions, garlic, lemon, avocado, and chocolate are poisonous to cats.  Please refer to our Toxic Foods for Cats Part 1 and Part 2 for more detailed lists.

Additionally, remember to keep alcoholic drinks out of your companion's reach.  According to the ASPCA, if a pet ingests an alcoholic drink, he may become intoxicated and severely depressed, weak, or go into a coma.  Death may also occur from respiratory distress in serious cases.

Remember to throw away all meat bags, packaging, tin foil, and plastic wrap.  These items are tempting to cats and may lead to intestinal obstruction if ingested.  

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent

Don't use any insect repellent or sunscreen on your cat that isn't indicated for use on pets.  Ingestion of human sunscreen may lead to drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and excessive thirst.  Neurological problems can arise from using insect repellent containing DEET on pets.  You can easily find pet-safe sunscreen and insect repellent by doing a search on the Internet. 

Glow Jewelry and Glowsticks

Keep all glow jewelry and glowsticks away from your pet.  If chewed and ingested, glow jewelry and sticks can cause irritation and possible gastrointestinal obstruction if large enough pieces are swallowed.    

Keep Fireworks Away from Your Cat

It may seem obvious, but having lit fireworks around your furry friend could lead to her getting burned.  It's also important to keep unlit fireworks out of your cat's reach because some fireworks contain toxic substances, such as arsenic, potassium nitrate, and other heavy metals, according to the ASPCA.  

Matches and Lighter Fluid

According to the ASPCA, some matches contain chlorates, which may cause breathing difficulties and blood cell damage.  In severe cases, kidney disease may also occur.  Lighter fluid can cause skin irritation if any is accidentally spilled on your cat's coat.  Ingestion of lighter fluid can lead to gastrointestinal distress and central nervous system depression.  When lighter fluid is inhaled, breathing difficulties and aspiration pneumonia may result.  

Insect Coils, Citronella Candles, and Oil Products

Keep insect coils, citronella candles, and oil products out of your cat's reach.  Ingestion of such products may lead to gastrointestinal distress and central nervous system depression, according to the ASPCA.  Inhaling oils may result in pneumonia aspiration.  

Medication and Anxiety-Relieving Products

If you know your kitty gets stressed or anxious when fireworks go off, talk to your veterinarian before the Independence Day celebrations begin.  Your vet will be able to recommend a medication or other product to reduce your cat's stress.  Never give your cat medication without talking with your veterinarian first.  Many human medications are toxic to pets. 

Rescue Remedy or Comfort Zone/Feliway diffusers may help keep your cat calm during fireworks.  If you choose to use a diffuser, plug it in a day or two ahead of time so it has time to disperse throughout the house.  

You can reduce the noise and bright light from the fireworks by closing your windows, shutting your blinds, and turning on the television or radio to a channel that plays soft music.  

Using these tips will help you and your furry friend have a safe and happy Independence Day.  

Do you have any Independence Day plans?  Please share with us in the comments!

Sources:

Pam Johnson-Bennett: Fourth of July Cat Safety Tips.

ASPCA: Fourth of July Safety Tips.

Banfield Pet Hospital: Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips for Your Dogs and Cats.